Eastern Adriatic Fishery
How can digital tools and regional networks support more effective cooperation in fisheries and the wider blue economy? This question shaped the BLUECONNECT Eastern Adriatic Fishery workshop, held on 15 May 2026 at FitSplit in Split, Croatia.
The workshop brought together representatives of research institutions, fisheries and aquaculture businesses, public authorities, NGOs and regional development organisations from Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro.
As BLUECONNECT’s Blue Growth Collaboration Platform Expert, I contributed by presenting the Blue Growth Digital Collaboration Platform and collecting stakeholder feedback and recommendations for the future development of Blue Growth cooperation tools.
Presenting practical tools for cooperation
My presentation introduced the platform’s two complementary digital spaces:
adriaticbgc.org — supporting networking, news and events, and access to shared resources.
adriaticfresh.shop — providing marketplace functions for fisheries and aquaculture stakeholders.
I explained how these tools can help users exchange information, increase the visibility of their activities and identify opportunities for cooperation across borders. The session also covered the platform’s multilingual structure, user guidance and moderation arrangements.
The presentation provided a starting point for discussing how the platform could become a useful part of stakeholders’ everyday work and support cooperation beyond the project.
Collecting stakeholder feedback
An important part of my contribution was gathering users’ perspectives on the platform and recommendations for its further development. Interactive Mentimeter consultations and open discussions explored barriers to innovation, interest in digital cooperation and expectations for the Adriatic Blue Growth Cluster.
Participants identified limited cooperation, administrative requirements and access to finance as significant constraints. They also expressed strong interest in using the platform, joining the cluster and participating in future cross-border initiatives.
These exchanges provided practical input for improving the cooperation tools and encouraging wider participation. They also highlighted the importance of connecting digital services with networking opportunities, relevant information and support for joint projects.
Connecting digital cooperation with pilot initiatives
The workshop linked these discussions to three BLUECONNECT pilot initiatives: the Institute of Marine Biology’s aquaculture demonstration centre using recirculating aquaculture technology; the Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries’ FlowCam-based monitoring of early fish developmental stages; and CEFBH’s freshwater fish processing demonstration centre.
Together, the pilots illustrated opportunities to connect research, technology and business needs through regional cooperation.
For my work on the platform, the central message was clear: stakeholder feedback must continue to inform its development. Useful digital functions, active participation and links to practical initiatives are essential to sustaining cooperation across the Adriatic blue economy.
